Cusco, Peru — Over 45,000 visitors gathered this Monday to witness the spectacular staging of the Inti Raymi.
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From the early morning, enthusiastic crowds of both locals and international visitors converged near the three main stages to participate in the spectacular celebration of Inti Raymi, the traditional Festival of the Sun. This event marked the highlight of the city's jubilee month.
The festivities kicked off at 09:00 on the esplanade of the Coricancha Temple, facing El Sol Avenue, the main artery of the southern metropolis. Clear skies and bright sunshine set the perfect backdrop for the ceremony, led by an Inca character who saluted Inti, or the Sun God, amid applause from the audience.
About 30,000 people filled the avenue to witness this ceremonial start. The Imperial City became the focal point of the festivities, seeing a significant influx of foreign visitors. With the local airport handling about 50 flights daily, planes arrived at full capacity, with airlines adding up to eight extra flights a day to meet the demand.
The second act of the Inti Raymi took place in the Plaza de Armas, attended by roughly 20,000 people, including local authorities like the mayor of Cusco.
The event concluded with the third and main act at the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park in the afternoon, where all 4,200 available tickets sold out weeks in advance, highlighting the growing interest in this unique festival.
Read More | Festival of the Sun.